White turf houses with red trim and a small church at Laufas historic farm, North Iceland, with snowy mountain backdrop
Red Christmas-themed house with candy cane decorations and stone tower in North Iceland
Godafoss waterfall at sunset with misty cascades and snow-capped mountains in North Iceland
Ancient stone hearth with large cast iron cauldrons inside historic Laufas turf farmhouse, North Iceland
Christmas House in North Iceland at night with snow, festive lights, decorated trees, and outdoor picnic benches
Godafoss waterfall with turquoise glacial waters and rocky cliffs under blue sky, North Iceland
Historic rustic kitchen interior at Laufas museum in North Iceland with wooden shelves and antique tools

Akureyri, Iceland

North Iceland Guided Tour: Godafoss, Laufas & Christmas House

4 hoursMin 2 guests
Listing ID : 43972
Duration4 Hours
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtAkureyri, North Iceland
LanguagesEnglish
North Iceland Half-Day Tour

Half-Day Combo Tour to Goðafoss, Laufas and The Christmas House

Waterfalls, turf-house history, and year-round festive wonder in one unforgettable journey through North Iceland.


The Goðafoss Laufas Christmas House combo tour brings together three of North Iceland's most compelling attractions into a single, well-paced half-day experience suitable for travelers of all ages and fitness levels.

Departing from Akureyri, this guided round trip covers the legendary Goðafoss waterfall, the historic Laufas Turfhouse Museum, and the enchanting Christmas House and Gardens, with a brief sightseeing loop through Akureyri on the return. All entrance fees are included, and the pace is relaxed enough for families with young children.

Your guide brings genuine local expertise to every stop, weaving together the history of North Iceland, traditional Icelandic folktales, and present-day life in the region. The stories shared along the way add meaningful context that transforms a scenic drive into an educational and cultural adventure.

The total duration is four hours, including all travel time between sites. The tour is rated easy, with no strenuous walking required, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors looking to make the most of a half-day in northern Iceland.

Tour Highlights

Stand beside Goðafoss, one of Iceland's most historically significant waterfalls, set within the glacial river Skjálfandafljót.

Explore the Laufas Turfhouse Museum, a preserved 19th-century vicarage that offers a rare window into traditional Icelandic rural life.

Visit the Christmas House, open year-round, and discover its gardens, log-fire warmth, festive scents, and hidden surprises for all ages.

Listen to authentic Icelandic folktales and historical narratives shared by a fully qualified local guide throughout the journey.

Enjoy a scenic sightseeing loop through Akureyri, the cultural capital of North Iceland, before returning to your starting point.

All entrance fees to every site are included in the tour price, with no hidden costs to manage on the day.

Designed to be fun and informative for families, couples, and solo travelers, with an easy difficulty rating and no physical demands.

Tour Itinerary

1
Departure from Akureyri

The tour begins in Akureyri, North Iceland's largest town. A comfortable 35-minute drive brings you to the first major stop of the day.

2
Goðafoss Waterfall

Goðafoss sits on the glacial river Skjálfandafljót and holds a prominent place in Icelandic history. According to legend, chieftain Þorgeir threw statues of the pagan gods into this waterfall after Iceland adopted Christianity, giving it the name that translates as Waterfall of the Gods.

3
Laufas Turfhouse Museum

A 30-minute drive leads to Laufas in Eyjafjörður, a well-preserved example of a wealthy Icelandic vicarage. The timber-framed turf building, largely constructed between 1860 and 1877, was inhabited until 1936 and has been a protected museum since 1948, housing artifacts that illustrate daily life through the early 20th century. The adjacent church dates to 1865 and contains a pulpit from 1698.

4
The Christmas House and Gardens

Another 30-minute journey brings the group to the Christmas House, a fairy-tale property open every day of the year. Visitors are welcomed by a log fire, festive music, and seasonal scents, with garden details and the hidden cave of Gryla, the Santa troll mother, providing entertainment for younger guests.

5
Akureyri Sightseeing and Return

On the drive back, the guide leads a brief sightseeing tour through the streets of Akureyri before returning guests to the original departure point, completing the four-hour experience.

What Is Included

Included

  • Fully guided tour with a qualified local guide
  • Entrance fee to Laufas Turfhouse Museum
  • Entrance fee to the Christmas House and Gardens
  • Round-trip transportation from Akureyri
  • Icelandic folktales and historical commentary throughout
  • Akureyri sightseeing loop on return

Not Included

  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities for the guide
  • Food, drinks, and personal purchases
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off outside Akureyri

Important Information

Please read the details below before booking to ensure this tour is the right fit for your travel plans and needs.
Duration
The total tour lasts 4 hours, including all driving time between attractions and the return sightseeing loop through Akureyri.
Meeting Point
The tour departs from Akureyri in North Iceland. Precise meeting point details are confirmed upon booking.
What to Bring
Dress in layers appropriate for North Iceland weather conditions. Waterproof outer clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended, particularly for the Goðafoss waterfall stop.
Cancellation
Please refer to the booking platform's cancellation policy for this tour. Conditions and deadlines may vary based on your booking date.
Accessibility
The tour is rated easy and requires no strenuous physical activity. Some uneven terrain may be present at outdoor sites such as Goðafoss. Please contact the operator in advance for specific accessibility queries.
Age Range
This tour is suitable for all ages and is specifically designed to be enjoyable for families with children. No minimum age requirement applies.

Reserve Your Spot on This North Iceland Tour

Spaces on this guided half-day tour are limited. Secure your place today and get ready to explore Goðafoss, Laufas, and the Christmas House with an expert local guide by your side.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the tour include in terms of entry fees?
All entrance fees to the sites visited on this tour are included in the price. This covers admission to the Laufas Turfhouse Museum and the Christmas House and Gardens.
Is the tour suitable for young children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and designed to engage visitors of all ages. The easy difficulty rating and the variety of sites, including the Christmas House with its garden discoveries, make it particularly appealing for families.
Why is Goðafoss considered historically significant?
According to Icelandic legend, chieftain Þorgeir threw statues of the pagan gods into this waterfall following the nation's conversion to Christianity around the year 1000. The name Goðafoss translates directly as Waterfall of the Gods.
Is the Christmas House open year-round?
Yes, the Christmas House and Gardens is open every day of the year. Visitors can enjoy its festive atmosphere, log fire, seasonal scents, and garden features regardless of the time of year they visit.
When was the Laufas Turfhouse last used as a residence?
The Old Farmhouse at Laufas was last inhabited in 1936, when a new vicarage was built beside it. In 1948, the National Museum's Historic Building Collection took the property under protection and it has operated as a museum ever since.
How much walking is involved in this tour?
The tour is classified as easy and does not require significant walking or physical exertion. Short walks are involved at each site, but no hiking or demanding terrain is part of the itinerary.
GoðafossNorth IcelandLaufas MuseumChristmas HouseAkureyri ToursIceland WaterfallFamily Tour IcelandIcelandic HistoryHalf-Day TourGuided Tour IcelandTurf House IcelandEasy Iceland Tour
Last updated: 2025-07-14 | Product ID: godafoss-laufas-christmas-house-combo

Activity

Availability

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Additional Information

Physical: Wheelchair Not accessible

Duration

4 hours

Languages

English - Speaking Guide

Additional Information

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Cancellation Policy

Select Date

Meeting Point

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

Activity Site

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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